Our friends came to stop for three weeks in July. We all had a wonderful time. They kindly brought us precious supplies of real Cadbury chocolate, cheerios (cereal) and tea bags. The Coles were so excited!
We had a few days looking around around Bangalore with them
At the botanical gardens
Naughty monkeys by the bins
We often get Indian people who want a selfie with the boys . We managed three different ones this trip.
Diane and Duncan enjoyed the posh cinema.Then Arjun arranged for a driver to take them on a road trip to see elephants, palaces, temples and forts for a week. They booked hotels that were comfortable and clean. Then we recommended that they go and stop at the elephant camp that we had visited. We had had a quick look at the lodges by the river when we were there and thought it may be a good idea.
They booked a night there with a private tour in the forest and a session washing the elephants. Little did we realise that because of the monsoon the water level had risen and life jackets were required to cross the river in the boat as the water was moving very quickly. Then they were told that the power goes off at 9pm! So they had to ask for torches! Added to that, they were the only ones there for the night so they had to go to the screening of a film about the conservation of tigers as they couldn't escape the attention of the guides. The next day they went to wash the elephants and had to stand in thick mud that swamped their shoes. But even so, they had a great time.
We had a board games night which was fun.
We, of course, spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool when they came back and we went on a few more outings.
When the boys went back to school,Diane decided that she would like to go shopping. Arjun recommended a new Indian clothes shop as Diane needed a blouse to match her new sari. Mala was determined that we shouldn't pay too much for a blouse and decided to come with us. Arjun came in too thinking we would stop at one item and then leave.
We were in that one shop for an hour and a half. There were so many Indian and western clothes at daft prices and there were so many different styles and colours that we didn't know where to start (or stop) and we just wandered without any plan or purpose.
Mala managed to squeeze in the changing room with Diane to supervise with the correct wearing of the salwars and kurtas etc. There was a lot of giggling and it was because Mala was taking selfies of them both in the outfits!
Meanwhile Arjun was with me, patiently waiting. After much deliberation, Diane decided on the things she would like and Arjun happily set off towards the exit, only for us to say that we would do a final circuit just to make sure we hadn't missed any bargains. He smiled at us through gritted teeth and took a deep breath.
He managed to get us out of the shop and was pleased to see Duncan who had wisely sat on a comfy chair downstairs.
The next following three days were spent in a similar manner in various shopping centres , shoe and gift shops. We decided that we needed a plan instead of wandering around in circles. It really was a shopping marathon. Duncan stayed at the house but Arjun came with us. I think he has the patience of a saint !
The first (expensive) sari shop.
The big cheaper shop 
Max's Birthday
While they were here, Max turned 12. He got some impressive nerf guns and spent the morning machine gunning at targets and his brother. Arjun bought him a beautiful Indian outfit similar to Milo's and he was really chuffed with it. We all went out for a lovely meal at lunchtime but his whole day had the looming shadow of the fact that school would start the next day. He was pleased though when Sheetal came round with a birthday cake that she had made for him. It was really lovely.
Opening presents.
Max used to be too big for this tiny baby grow.
Some friends were in the restaurant above us and took this photo .
Max decided to have a sip of beer (he wasn't too keen!)
Both boys in their Indian outfits.
Max had his party the following week at the local climbing centre and afterwards we came back to the house for pizza ( take away ) and chocolate cakes that Mala had made. He had a great time with all his friends ( pre- teens !!)
Diane and Duncan had left the night before and so missed all the noise and mayhem.
The weather
The weather is cloudier but still warm. There have been a few days with rain or drizzle but only for a short time. Further to the west in Kerala, the rain has been intense and there has been loss of life and flooding but Bangalore doesn't seem to get the extreme rain like some places do. The boys say it is easier being at school when it is slightly cooler.
